California Attorney General Rob Bonta has responded to a court decision from the District Court for the District of Columbia. The ruling granted a temporary restraining order against the Trump Administration, preventing it from retaliating against Perkins Coie LLP and its attorneys. This legal action was part of an alleged campaign by President Trump to silence lawyers and law firms representing individuals and causes he opposes.
"This ruling is a win for free speech and the rule of law," stated Attorney General Bonta. "The President cannot use the power of his office to punish those who disagree with him. Today, our system of checks and balances worked. The court blocked the Trump Administration from retaliating against Perkins Coie based solely on the clients and ideas it represents, in accordance with the rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution to protect the American public."
Earlier in the day, Attorney General Bonta joined a multistate coalition in filing an amicus brief supporting Perkins Coie's lawsuit. The firm sought to prevent retaliation by the Trump Administration for challenging it in court. In this brief, state attorneys general defended the rule of law and emphasized that everyone is entitled to vigorous representation as a fundamental principle of the American legal system.